Wedding Invitation Should Not Mention Gifts

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

I received a wedding invitation that included a card that stated that in lieu of gifts, a donation should be made to their preferred charity. I always thought that any mention of gifts was not allowed, or is this now an outmoded concept?

Signed,

Improper Invitation?

Dear Improper Invitation,

Mentioning gifts in a wedding invitation is not appropriate. Even if the sentiment is benevolent, that of not wanting a gift and preferring a donation to a certain organization, it is still never included in the wedding invitation. Any mention of wedding gifts should be given word-of-mouth, not in the invitation.